Brazilian Skipper

Calpodes ethlius

Identification: Small—FW ~1.0" (NJ's largest grass-skipper). Above: FW and HW dark brown, both with 3 to 5 large and small glassy spots. Below: FW appears very long and pointed. FW and HW reddish-brown (when fresh) to pale brown, with 3 or 4 glassy spots across HW. Similar skippers: None.

NJ Status and Distribution: Immigrant. A species of the Southeast and Gulf states. Seen almost annually in Cape May County.

Habitat: Many open areas including disturbed sites. Often visits gardens, where it tends to nectar on large flowers.

Flight Period: Most likely to turn up in late summer and fall. South Jersey extreme dates: 8/28—11/3.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Many species and varieties of Canna Lily (Canna spp.)

Overwintering Stage: Not reported—but not known to overwinter in NJ.

Good Locations: Higbee Beach WMA is one of the few public areas where this skipper has been observed. Most reports are from private gardens in Cape May County.

Comments: Reported to be most active at dawn and dusk.

Cape May, Cape May Co., NJ, 7/15/14.

Clermont, Cape May Co., NJ, 9/27/12.

Petersburg, Cape May Co., NJ, 10/18.

Caterpillar.